India’s journey through space exploration has reached new heights in recent years. Between 2020 and 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched over 20 significant satellites. These missions support vital sectors such as communication, navigation, agriculture, disaster management, and space science.
ISRO’s Satellite Launches: 2020–2025
ISRO has delivered 22 major satellite missions since 2020. These include communication satellites like GSAT-30 and GSAT-24, observation missions like EOS-01 and EOS-09, and flagship scientific missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully demonstrated India’s lunar landing capability.
- Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar mission to study the Sun.
- NVS-01 & NVS-02 (2023 & 2025): Part of the second-generation NavIC navigation satellite series.
- EOS Series: Advanced Earth Observation Satellites for agriculture, forestry, and flood mapping.
This progress reflects India’s growing capabilities in space technology and autonomous launch systems.
Reforms Fueling Growth: IN-SPACe and Private Participation
The space sector reforms announced in 2020 opened the doors for private players. Since then, over 300 Indian space startups have registered. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) plays a key role in this transformation.
Key achievements post-reforms include:
- Two successful sub-orbital launches by startups in November 2022 and May 2024.
- Six private entities have launched 14 satellites into orbit.
- IN-SPACe processed 658 applications from 380+ organizations as of March 2025.
Authorizations, MoUs, and technology transfers have enhanced innovation and reduced dependency on public funding.
Satellites Empowering Agriculture and Food Security
Satellite data plays a vital role in India’s food security mission. Through programs like Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS), farmers receive weather-based advisories tailored to their crops and regions. Mapping of Kharif rice fallows in six eastern states helped boost productivity and food security.
ISRO’s yield model for rice and wheat has been integrated with the YES-TECH Programme under PM Fasal Bima Yojana. This has made insurance claim settlements faster and more transparent in nine Indian states.
Disaster Management: Space to the Rescue
Satellites assist in real-time disaster monitoring. During the 2024 flood season, ISRO mapped flood inundation in 16 states, aiding early evacuation and damage control.
Historical satellite flood data since 1998 has enabled flood hazard zoning in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and others. These maps guide planners in reducing flood risks.
ISRO has also developed flood early warning systems for the Godavari and Tapi rivers under the National Hydrology Project.
Forest Fires, Earthquakes & Cyclones
During India’s annual forest fire season, satellite data is used 6 to 8 times daily to detect active fires. This information supports state forest departments in fire management and environmental protection.
Similarly, space-based data supports vulnerability and risk assessment for landslides, cyclones, and earthquakes across high-risk zones.
Gaganyaan and the Future of Indian Human Spaceflight
India’s first crewed mission, Gaganyaan-H1, is soon to be followed by H2. These missions mark India’s entry into human spaceflight, setting the stage for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
The government’s green light for Gaganyaan follow-on missions, given in October 2024, confirms India’s serious ambitions to lead in manned space exploration.
Conclusion: India’s Space Future Looks Bright
The last five years have transformed India’s space landscape. Through strategic missions, robust reforms, and strong private partnerships, ISRO and Indian startups are redefining how space technology supports the nation.
From agriculture to weather forecasting, from national security to global scientific collaborations, ISRO’s satellite launches are building a smarter, safer, and stronger India.
